Mudgee Guardian

How comfort in the workplace affects productivity

How comfort in the workplace affects productivity
How comfort in the workplace affects productivity

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Employee productivity is one of the most important aspects of a business. There are different ways by which you can boost your employee's productivity, one is by creating a comfortable place for them to work.

When an employee is comfortable in the workplace, it ensures satisfaction which motivates them to do their work well, improving their work productivity.

Here are some of the factors on how comfort in the workplace affects productivity:

1. Workplace ergonomics

Workplace ergonomics ensure that employees are comfortable in their workstations through proper positioning of the table, chair, and computer. When followed correctly, it aims to reduce fatigue, strain, and injuries in the workplace.

As an employer, it's important to invest in furniture or appliances making sure that they're not only functional but also comfortable. Your employees will be using this equipment for hours every day, so if they're not comfortable with their workstation, there's a possibility that won't be as productive as they could.

One of the reasons for back pain, headaches, and injuries at work is due to terrible workplace conditions. A way to improve workplace ergonomics is to choose a comfortable chair and table. Invest in durable office chairs that can be enjoyed by your employees for a long time. You may also opt for adjustable desks so that your workers can find a suitable height for their needs.

2. Temperature

A workplace that's too cold or too hot affects productivity because it may disrupt concentration. If your business is located in an area with extreme temperatures, it's important to have heating and air conditioning systems to ensure that you always have an optimum temperature that everyone is comfortable with.

Each person may have a preferred temperature setting, so it's important to communicate with each other to come up with an amenable temperature for everyone.

Office appliances such as computers, photocopiers, etc., also generate heat that's why in designing your office, it's important to properly designate an area for these things so when they are are operational, they won't contribute significantly to the overall temperature in the workplace.

How comfort in the workplace affects productivity
How comfort in the workplace affects productivity

3. Lighting

Having poor quality lighting significantly influences the workplace's overall mood. It doesn't only affect productivity, but it may also be a reason why your worker may feel fatigued, have headaches, and may, later on, develop eye problems.

Business owners may not invest in good lighting because of the cost of the lighting fixtures to additional costs in the electricity bill.

A way to deal with poor lighting in the workplace without spending a single penny is to utilise natural lighting.

If, however, you're located in an area or building where natural lighting isn't accessible, invest in energy-efficient light sources. For example, if you're currently using incandescent light bulbs, switch to LED fixtures because these use less energy.

4. Noise reduction

Loud noise in the workplace is another way distress is caused and productivity lost. Unwanted noise in the workplace affects productivity because it's a constant distraction. If the noise outside is the problem, and your work requires a quiet environment, invest in sound-absorbing materials or you may use noise insulation in the workplace's walls, doors, and windows.

Noise coming from the inside may be from an operational office machine or chattering workmates. It can't be prevented, but needs to be monitored and regulated, so it won't affect the overall mood and efficiency of the employees.

5. Air quality

It's believed that indoor air is more polluted than that outdoors. If your workplace doesn't have good ventilation, there's a possibility that you're inhaling polluted air. Poor air quality inhaled will make you sick because of the bacteria, dust, pollen, and other particles in the air that may lead to respiratory issues and other health problems such as eyes and nose irritation, flu, dizziness, headaches and more.

If you encounter health problems due to poor air quality, it can significantly reduce productivity because you're not comfortable working with your health condition. A way to resolve this is by using air filters or air purifiers, especially if your place doesn't have access to fresh air. It would also help to have indoor plants that may be effective in absorbing toxins while producing more oxygen.

Final thoughts

Comfort affects productivity at work because an employee isn't distracted by discomforts. There are different ways by which comfort in the workplace affects work productivity usually through: temperature, lighting, air quality, noise, or the actual work area.

Be sure to provide a good and comfortable workplace for your employees. Doing this won't only benefit your employees, it'll also benefit the growth and success of your company.